Rebuilding Strength: How Brian Found His Footing Again

When you meet Brian you quickly notice two things — his humor and his humility. In May of 2025 his life changed in an instant. While helping friends with a construction project, he fell from scaffolding, shattering his clavicle, breaking several ribs and vertebrae, and puncturing a lung. “I was rushing that day,” he says. “I’ve always been a big advocate for safety — except for that Friday. And it cost me.”

The accident left Brian with a long recovery. After weeks in the hospital and rehabilitation, he returned briefly to his parents’ home. But with his father battling leukemia and his mother caring for him, it was too much for them to manage. “They’ve got their hands full,” Brian says softly. “So DSS set me up here at Shelters of Saratoga.”

Despite the challenges, Brian’s spirit never dimmed. “I came here broken — physically and otherwise — but I’ve been healing. Everyone here treats you like a person, not a problem. That means everything.”

Before his injury, Brian was a copper craftsman, working on domes, entrance ways, range hoods, and architectural details. He recalls with pride, “it’s hard work … but beautiful work.”

Brian started his career unexpectedly. After helping rescue stranded workers on a job site, he was offered a position bending and welding copper. Brian’s artistry extends beyond the construction site. He creates detailed copper artwork, draws colorful portraits of musicians and sells prints at a local farmers market. “Art is therapy,” he explains. “It kept me sober, it kept my mind busy, and it helped me through dark times. Sometimes the best art comes from the hardest days.”

At Shelters of Saratoga, Brian has found the structure and compassion he needs to rebuild. He credits the staff for their care and dedication. “Staff and my case manager go above and beyond,” he says. “You can tell they really care. This place doesn’t feel like a shelter. It feels like people are rooting for you.”

While he continues to heal, Brian focuses on his next goal. – securing a home for himself and his 10-year-old son. “Every day’s a winding road,” he says. “But I’m getting stronger. This place helped me when I needed it most. And I’m grateful.”

Brian often gives his art to others “just to make them smile.” His work, and his story, reflect resilience, craftsmanship, and the belief that even after life bends you, you can still shine.